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as in to compress
to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter over time the once-fluffy material in the pillow had condensed into a lumpy wad

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word condense different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of condense are compress, constrict, contract, deflate, and shrink. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

Where would compress be a reasonable alternative to condense?

While in some cases nearly identical to condense, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When would constrict be a good substitute for condense?

The meanings of constrict and condense largely overlap; however, constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

In what contexts can contract take the place of condense?

The words contract and condense can be used in similar contexts, but contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

When is it sensible to use deflate instead of condense?

The words deflate and condense are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

When could shrink be used to replace condense?

Although the words shrink and condense have much in common, shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of condense The following interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity. Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 19 July 2025 But philosophy, healing, and self-understanding cannot be condensed into bite-sized commands. Ranju Kunwor, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025 Two subsequent parallel lawsuits were also filed and then condensed into the single case. Stephanie Kuzydym, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 Questions and answers have been lightly edited and condensed. Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for condense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condense
Verb
  • It's considered lossless to the eye, but the signal is actually compressed at a 3:1 ratio.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 13 July 2025
  • However, extreme space weather events may compress – or in some cases, peel back – the Earth’s magnetic shield.
    Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti, The Conversation, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • The Euro 2025 quarter-finals had late drama, with Italy squeezing past Norway, a comeback out of nowhere from England, and a farcical penalty shootout win over Sweden.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 20 July 2025
  • In particular, the price of rice has doubled, squeezing many household budgets despite government handouts.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • This, together with a higher standard deduction, reduced the number of taxpayers who itemize deductions.
    Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Choose looser fits that reduce the pressure on your hair follicles.
    Mark Gurarie, Health, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Their margins have shrunk as competition and the share of money in low-cost index funds have grown.
    Hank Tucker, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Net income dropped year over year as margins continued to shrink, pressured by lower average selling prices, higher raw material costs, and global trade headwinds.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • Before 1962, the maximum legal barrel entry proof was 110, but Stitzel-Weller went much further during production to extract and preserve as much flavor as possible.
    Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Steam clean by spraying and extracting in short passes, then let the carpet dry fully before checking for leftover spots.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Merchant banking-style funds concentrate their efforts on fewer companies with deeper operational involvement.
    Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • After selling the company in 1998 to investors, Dinh Van concentrated on unique furniture pieces, among other personal projects.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Promptly remove former employees or admins Regularly audit account access and revoke permissions for anyone who no longer needs it.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2025
  • The work includes removing asphalt surface and placing new waterproofing, a new asphalt surface and associated items.
    Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 20 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Condense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condense. Accessed 28 Jul. 2025.

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